doula
noun
dou·la ˈdü-lə 
plural doulas
: a person trained to provide advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth
Research shows that childbirth does go more smoothly with a doula: labor is 25 percent shorter, the need for epidural pain relief is 60 percent less and the Caesarean section rate is reduced by half.
Susan Gilbert
Susan Gilbert
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Following Mae’s at-home birth, the singer/actress posted a carousel of images on Instagram, featuring her Younger co-star and doula Molly Bernard and Koma supporting her every step of the way. Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 29 July 2022 Then Hall looked around the room at the nurses and the doula. Julia O'malley, Anchorage Daily News, 7 May 2022 Employees on the company’s medical plan can receive assistance from a doula with coverage of up to $1,000 per pregnancy, Walmart said Wednesday. Anne D'innocenzio, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2022 Employees on the company's medical plan in can receive assistance from a doula with coverage of up to $1,000 per pregnancy, Walmart said Wednesday. Arkansas Online, 22 June 2022 Walmart is expanding health care coverage for employees who want to enlist the services of a doula, a person trained to assist women during pregnancies, to address racial inequities in maternal care. Anne D'innocenzio, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2022 The Mayo Clinic defines a doula as a professional labor assistant who provides both physical and emotional support during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Candace Smith, ABC News, 17 June 2022 Goldstein, a doula, was a nanny for Gal and Maya Weinstock, who agreed to host the event at their home. Ray Sanchez, CNN, 30 Apr. 2022 Sabrina Fletcher, a 39-year-old American bereavement doula living near Mexico City, became @thetfmrdoula on Instagram and other platforms after her experience with TFMR, offering virtual grief circles for women and families. Washington Post, 26 Apr. 2022 See More
Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 29 July 2022 Then Hall looked around the room at the nurses and the doula. Julia O'malley, Anchorage Daily News, 7 May 2022 Employees on the company’s medical plan can receive assistance from a doula with coverage of up to $1,000 per pregnancy, Walmart said Wednesday. Anne D'innocenzio, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2022 Employees on the company's medical plan in can receive assistance from a doula with coverage of up to $1,000 per pregnancy, Walmart said Wednesday. Arkansas Online, 22 June 2022 Walmart is expanding health care coverage for employees who want to enlist the services of a doula, a person trained to assist women during pregnancies, to address racial inequities in maternal care. Anne D'innocenzio, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2022 The Mayo Clinic defines a doula as a professional labor assistant who provides both physical and emotional support during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Candace Smith, ABC News, 17 June 2022 Goldstein, a doula, was a nanny for Gal and Maya Weinstock, who agreed to host the event at their home. Ray Sanchez, CNN, 30 Apr. 2022 Sabrina Fletcher, a 39-year-old American bereavement doula living near Mexico City, became @thetfmrdoula on Instagram and other platforms after her experience with TFMR, offering virtual grief circles for women and families. Washington Post, 26 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Modern Greek, female helper, maidservant, from Greek doulē female slave
First Known Use
1969, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
doula
noun
dou·la ˈdü-lə
: a woman experienced in childbirth who provides advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth